United States Mental Health Crisis Number: 988
+1 · 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
The mental health crisis emergency number in United States is 988. Operated by SAMHSA. Free to call. Works from mobile phones.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
United States · Mental Health Crisis
📝 988 is the national suicide and mental health crisis lifeline. Available 24/7 by call or text. English and Spanish.
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🗣️ Emergency Phrases in United States
Use these phrases to communicate in an emergency when language is a barrier. Tap the speaker to play pronunciation.
⚠️ When NOT to Call Mental Health Crisis
- • Do not call 911 for non-urgent police matters - use local non-emergency number
- • Do not make prank or test calls to 911 - it is a criminal offence
- • Do not call 911 for minor injuries - visit an urgent care or your doctor
- • Do not make prank or test calls to 911 - it is a criminal offence in most states
- • Do not call 911 for power outages - contact your utility company
- • Do not call 911 for non-urgent police matters - use the local police non-emergency number
- • Do not use 911 for road conditions or weather - dial 511 for travel information
✈️ Travel Notes — United States
Emergency response is generally fast in urban and suburban areas. Response in rural and remote areas may be delayed. Ambulance services typically charge fees; travel insurance recommended. 911 service is well-established nationwide. Text-to-911 available in many jurisdictions.
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Mental Health Crisis Emergency Service in United States — Complete Guide
When traveling to United States or living there as an expat, knowing the correct mental health crisis number in United States is critical for emergency preparedness. The official emergency contact line for mental health crisis services in United States is 988, which is operated and monitored by SAMHSA. 988 is the national suicide and mental health crisis lifeline. Available 24/7 by call or text. English and Spanish.
How to Dial 988 in United States
To reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in United States, dial 988 from any local fixed line, cellular phone, or public payphone. Dialing from mobile devices is fully supported across local mobile operators and international roaming SIM cards. A SIM card is typically required by mobile operators in United States. If you lack a SIM card, dial the universal emergency number 112. Calls to this emergency service are 100% free of charge — no prepaid airtime credit or active subscription plan is required.
Calling from International Roaming or Abroad
If you are within United States using an international roaming SIM card, you can dial 988 directly without any country code prefix. If you need to contact emergency dispatch in United States from an international location, the country calling code is +1.
Language & Communication with Dispatchers
Emergency operators in United States communicate primarily in en. If you do not speak en, remain calm and state your language immediately (e.g. "English, please"). Most national dispatch centers have access to telephonic interpretation services or English-speaking officers to ensure rapid dispatch.
What to Expect When You Dial 988
When you call the mental health crisis number in United States, you will be connected to a trained dispatcher at SAMHSA. These operators are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. When connected, clearly state:
- Your exact location (city, neighborhood, landmark, or GPS coordinates)
- The nature of the emergency (mental health crisis assistance)
- Number of individuals involved or needing immediate medical/police/fire assistance
- Your contact number for callback if disconnected
All Emergency Numbers in United States
Please note that United States utilizes dedicated emergency lines for different agencies. Besides the Mental Health Crisis (988), the following emergency services can also be reached directly: National Emergency Number (911), Police Emergency (911), Emergency Medical Service (EMS) (911), Fire and Rescue Service (911), Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222), 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988). Additionally, the universal emergency contact number 112 is active across United States and will redirect calls to the appropriate local agency.
Official Regulatory & Government Source
The emergency number 988 is verified against official directories published by SAMHSA. Last verified on 2026-01. If you notice any outdated information or changed hotline details, please contact our editorial team so we can update the platform for traveler safety.
Frequently Asked Questions — Mental Health Crisis in United States
What is the Mental Health Crisis number in United States? ▼
The Mental Health Crisis emergency number in United States is 988. 988 is the national suicide and mental health crisis lifeline. Available 24/7 by call or text. English and Spanish.
Does 988 work from mobile in United States? ▼
Yes, 988 works from all mobile phones in United States.
Can I call 988 without a SIM card? ▼
A SIM card is typically required. Try 112, the universal number, which works without a SIM on most networks.
Is calling 988 free in United States? ▼
Yes, calling 988 is free in United States. No airtime credit needed.
Who operates Mental Health Crisis in United States? ▼
The Mental Health Crisis service in United States is operated by SAMHSA. Source: https://www.samhsa.gov/
What is Text-to-911 in the United States? ▼
Text-to-911 allows you to send a text message to 911 in an emergency. Available in many jurisdictions. Where not available, you'll receive a bounce-back message. Call if you can, text if you can't.
Can I call 911 from a mobile without a SIM card? ▼
Yes. All mobile phones can dial 911 without a SIM card. Emergency calls are free.
Are emergency calls free in the United States? ▼
Yes. All calls to 911 are free. Ambulance transport typically incurs charges.
What is 988 in the United States? ▼
988 is the national Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Call or text 988 for mental health crises, suicidal thoughts, or emotional distress. Available 24/7 in English and Spanish.
What is the Poison Control number in the US? ▼
1-800-222-1222 is the national poison control hotline. Available 24/7. For life-threatening poisoning, call 911.
What is Text-to-911? ▼
Text-to-911 allows you to send a text message to 911. Available in many jurisdictions. Call if you can, text if you can't.
What is 988? ▼
988 is the national Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Call or text 988 for mental health crises. Available 24/7 in English and Spanish.